Peter Whitehouse

Professor of Neurology - University of Toronto

Peter J. Whitehouse, MD, PhD, is Professor of Neurology as well as current or former Professor of Cognitive Science, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Psychology, Nursing, Organizational Behavior, Bioethics and History. He is also currently a Strategic Advisor in innovation at Baycrest Geriatric Center and Professor of Medicine (Neurology) at the University of Toronto. With colleagues he discovered fundamental aspects of the cholinergic pathology in Alzheimer’s and related dementias, which lead to the development of our current generation drugs to treat these conditions. In 1986 he moved to Case Western Reserve University to develop the University Alzheimer Center (now University Brain health and Memory Center).

Dr. Whitehouse has been clinically active in various hospitals in Cleveland caring for individuals with concerns about their cognitive abilities as they age. He has designed InterWell, a school-based health practice that integrates primary care, cognitive health, and public health. He sees schools and gardens as the natural center of health in community. He has a strong interest in ethics, including bioethics, environmental ethics, public health ethics, and neuroethics. His transdisciplinary scholarship interests include brain health and coaching, narrative health, intergenerational learning, environmental issues, health humanities, and the role of arts, including dance and music, in health.